MEETING MINUTES
Friday, March 13, 2009
Volume 16; Issue 10

Acknowledgements
Jim Bache, 5 years as a MABE member...
Affirmative Carpet Care, 8 years
Stacy Hyder, 1 month
Denver Johnson, 6 years
Bill LaLonde, 9 years
Lin Schmelzer, 2 years
Barbara Kollman, 4 years

Congratulations to all!

Jana Greene wanted to acknowledge Phyllis Prater.  Despite her full plate, she goes above and beyond to help people.

Bill LaLonde spoke to Paul Kavanaugh recently and he expressed interest in rejoining the group.

The Next Six Months
We are going through a period of transition in MABE.  During his term as president, Dave Lathrop would like to "sure things up".   He will operate from certain Corner Stones...

• Possibility - Things that are possible (not only MABE but for your business)
• Commitment - More than a good idea or something you like or something that sounds good.  No kidding you are going to take action on it.
• Responsibility - What are you willing to take responsibility for?  Responsibility is different from blame.  It is what you are willing to take ownership of and handle so you can move forward from.  Responsibility  comes from a position of power.
• Community - We are all members of this community, as well as others.  As such, what are we going to do as a member that will benefit everybody? 

  What are we committed to.?

  • Breakfast
  • Promoting each others business
  • Integrity
  • Friendship
  • Support

Ground Rules - Dave would also like to create some ground rules with the group during his term.  What are we all willing to agree upon?  What can he create for this community that will benefit everybody?  One example is creating a set starting time.  Some people may have to sacrifice to make this happen.

Lisa Wolfe, Nick Mawrenko and Chris Curran, our recent past presidents, have all built the foundation for us to move forward from and we should acknowledge them for their achievements. 

Consulting Each Other - At one point, we discussed bringing in a consultant.  But we have enough talent and knowledge here in this group that we can share with each other, if members are willing.

• Jana Greene will take on running a meeting about "taking care of yourself". 
• Bob Busch will incorporate "reinventing yourself" during his speech on April 10th.

On a Final Note - Sometimes we get stuck in the past.  Action is in the present.  It has come to Dave's attention that some members have issues with the way certain things have happened in the past.  Lets take them on, complete or clean them up, and move forward.  This goes for issues between members as well. 

Main Speaker
Sandro Menasci was today's main speaker.  

I have spoken at least 25 times.  But I have something new today.  It was going to be visual but I forgot the cords.  But I did remember the photographs. 

Personal Notes - My son got married this weekend.  I was born in Rome.  It was a great place to live.  We moved to Canada.  It was stressful.  But I adapted quickly.  I was very active in sports.  We moved here almost 20 years ago, following my brothers.  Moving is stressful.  Changing.  Especially after owning my own company and then going back to work for someone else.

My Shop - We have a nice facility.  I am proud of the people I have working for me right now.  I can do everything they can do.  I majored in physics so my educational background helps.  My mechanics are no primadonas.  They trust me and respect my advice.  I used to micromanage.  But now, once I get them started, I walk away.   We give good value for what we do.  And at this facility we have the ability to do more than we could at the old location.  My guys really care.  They try to do a good job for the customer. 

Questions & Comment -

Chuck Hultstrand mentioned that many people don't realize Sandro does alignments.  He does an excellent job...even though he doesn't like working on my car! 

Dave Crissman pointed out something that even Sandro may not have been aware of...There was a special cover that he had stashed $1000 behind.  He knew the mechanics had been in there to do the work.  It was still there after being fixed.  The trust is there.  It is a real compliment.

Don Ellis is impressed with how Sandro analyzes everything and because he is so detailed.  He even offers phone support fixing televisions.